Author Interview: T.A. Shelano

Let's hear about his recent novel, ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND

Jan 05, 2026

Today we’ve got an author interview with T.A. Shelano. His recent release, ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND, is an adult thriller described as The Hunger Games meets Castaway. Let’s find out more!

ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND has
- Family dynamics
- Friendship
- Strong female characters
- Loyalty
- Diverse characters
- Overcoming adversity
- Corruption
- Second chances

The Hunger Games meets Castaway as a group of disenfranchised teens are pushed to their limits by a deadly dystopian conspiracy to avoid a terrifying fate as detainees of Batechu Island.

The mysterious disappearance of teenagers from across the UK sparks Catherine Watson in Hartlepool (the distraught mother of one of the missing teens), London based detective Patrick Laker, Cardiff based Police Community Support Officer Jill Weathers, and her unlikely sidekick, Shopkeeper Pal Johal into action. Ably assisted by social media savvy teenager Jess Smith and intrepid trainee reporter Melanie Corrigan they seek to unravel the pieces of the puzzle.

Set in 2027, ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND, is a fast-paced voice led thriller with heart-stopping action, nail biting suspense, and more than its fair share of laughs.

Thank you to T.A. Shelano for taking the time to do this interview with us!

When did you first come up with the idea for ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND?

I was working towards publishing my first book, The Doctor’s Hidden Patients, and was contemplating what to do as a second book. In early 2024, I had the idea about a dystopian conspiracy that would see people taken to a remote island and decided to explore that. I started writing the book in March 2024.

Do you have a favourite line you'd like to share?

Leroy was a good basketball player and a better gangster.

Who would you recommend ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND to?

Readers who enjoy a fast-paced book with action and suspense. Fans of James Patterson may enjoy this.

What is your favourite thing about this book? What’s something that makes it special or interesting?

Exploring characters that society writes off and who often write themselves off overcoming adversity. The eclectic mix of modern relatable characters you would rarely see all together in one book make it unique.

Do you have a favourite part of the writing process?

I love developing plot twists that work and aren’t (I hope) obvious to the reader.

Do you know what your next project will be?

I’ve made a start on my third novel which will serve as a standalone prequel to The Doctor’s Hidden Patients and ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND.

Have you always wanted to be an author? What inspired you to start?

I’d thought about writing a book for a long time when I started writing my first one. I’ve always enjoyed creative writing. I wrote a short film with a friend many years ago that we were going to try and make ourselves but never did.

How long have you been writing?

I started working on my first novel, The Doctor’s Hidden Patients, in 2019.

How much does your own life influence your work?

I try and observe the world and draw inspiration from it for my writing. For example, there’s a shop and a shopkeeper in ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND that are loosely based on a shop near where I live.

Is there anything interesting you’d like to share about yourself? A little author fun fact, perhaps?

My author pen name is an amalgamation of fictional characters Tommy Shelby and Tony (Anthony) Soprano. It stemmed from someone saying I look like Tony Soprano but sound like Tommy Shelby.

What made you decide to self-publish?

I initially tried the traditional route. The furthest I got was an agent requesting a full manuscript for The Doctor’s Hidden Patients and giving me some great feedback which I used to improve the book.

Who was your biggest influence as an author?

I particularly like the works of John Grisham. The film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was also an influence.

If you could recommend one book aside from your own, what would it be?

Although not a fiction book, I love Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson.

What advice would you give to other writers? Is there anything you wish someone had told you?

The art of writing is rewriting. Your first draft is just that. I wish someone had told me to focus on getting the story down on paper first and worry more about the editing later.

Anything else you would like to add?

If you are thinking of writing a book or pursuing a creative passion then I would say do it. It will add value to your life.

Thanks so much to T.A. Shelano for joining us today, and for answering our questions! It’s been great to have you here and learn more about your book!

About the Author

T.A. Shelano is an author and podcaster from Birmingham, United Kingdom who released his debut thriller, The Doctor's Hidden Patients, in 2024. ESCAPE FROM BATECHU ISLAND serves as a standalone sequel with 'easter egg' connections to his debut novel. He has co-hosted The Middle-aged Bodcast with best friend Raging Rich since 2024.

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